Today the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) declared that air travelers would now be allowed to bring approved methanol fuel cells onboard in carry-on luggage.

With this ruling the DOT makes clear that fuel cells, consisting of methanol, ambient oxygen, and a catalytic membrane, do not combust spontaneously and will burn only if the flame is intentionally applied. As such, airport security personnel will continue to confiscate matches and cigarette lighters prior to boarding.

Although actual fuel cell-powered media players and other gadgets are at least a year away, the decision confirms fuel cell safety and gives fuel cell makers an extra push. CNET also points out that this will primarily help industry leaders like "Peng Lim, CEO of MTI Micro Fuel Cells, who travels the country showing off prototypes of fuel cells for cameras and phones."